Extraculinarriculars / Discussion

This is the discussion related to the wiki page Extraculinarriculars.

AHHH IM GIFT EXCHANGIIIIIINNNNGGGGG

Sobek109 30 Dec 2023 01:00

Yuletide gift exchange piece for Gatoni! I really like Cary and the vibe of their series so this was a blast to write (and got away from me a little lengthwise, hope it doesn't drag.) and I love talking about food in prose.

I've also done a little sneaky and made an attempt to write in the style of one of my favourite fantasy authors, Walter Moers. I think the Library as a setting has so much potential, and approaching it through a Moers-ish perspective, describing elements of a culture and implying a lived-in world without having to show it could be a good way to expand the library. But seriously if you liked this I would urge you to read The City of Dreaming Books, its spectacular.

Last edited on 02 Jan 2024 15:26 by Sobek109 Show more

FleshMaddAvalon 30 Dec 2023 01:56

I approve this interpretation of my character and the expansion of my canon. This is beautiful. I love you.

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I watch the yonder hills
See foodwrenches toil in dust
Let their cacophonous calls
Rend our bodies to rust

LAN 2D 30 Dec 2023 03:44

I feel like I can see the roots of your previous work in this one. I'm not going to elaborate but this feels like you've taken every aspect that succeeded in your previous work and combined them here. The names you chose are gorgeous, the characterisation concise and strong, the pacing like a brisk walk. Your own love of food pierces through the fiction through your prose, and especially in the last 'because…' of the contest.

I keep saying this but I think you've raised a new standard for Library stories. Something's always felt off to me when reading stories about the Library. A lack of mystique, of the joy of knowledge, whether that is reading or cooking or dance. It feels like the Wanderers *know* everything. Mormont's character brings that mystique back so well it's not funny. His mysterious origin, demonic nature, disturbing presence. He's an outsider to what's usually a safely closed system — he doesn't follow the rules of the Library, and that's what makes the conflict here so interesting.

Finally, I feel like I have to mention Moers. This story establishes Moers as required WL reading. You take what works from his writing — outlandish names, zany antics and illogical setpieces; intricate lists and know-it-all narrators — and you add an emotional and thematic core that I find desperately lacking in his work. Another banger. Praise Sobek, forever.

Last edited on 30 Dec 2023 03:52 by LAN 2D Show more

Snapdragon133 30 Dec 2023 20:11

This piece just feels absolutely steeped in what makes the Library good. The battle of food is absolutely delightful to read, and the two sides feel really well balanced, while the victor of the battle makes sense. Jay Koperni's voice is great as well, the formatting as a review also a great choice. It's very satisfying to read, great job

Last edited on 30 Dec 2023 20:18 by Snapdragon133 Show more